Nouhou Arzika

Nouhou Mahamadou Arzika (born 1968) is a Nigerien civil society activist and public figure. He is the founder and president of the Mouvement patriotique pour une citoyenneté responsable (Patriotic Movement for Responsible Citizenship), a civic movement active in Niger’s political and social discourse.^[1][2] Arzika is known for his advocacy on behalf of citizens' rights, his criticism of government policies, and his leadership in public mobilization efforts.^[3][4]

Nouhou Arzika was born in 1968 in Niger. He began his primary education in the town of Dogondutsi and attended secondary school in the city of Dosso. He later studied at the University of Niamey, where he became actively involved in civic and student movements, laying the foundation for his future activism.^[5]

Nouhou Arzika gained public recognition in Niger for his outspoken views on social and economic justice. His movement promotes responsible citizenship, civic participation, and government accountability. He has organized several peaceful protests and press campaigns addressing issues such as rising living costs, taxation, and foreign military presence in the country.^[6][7]

In 2015, Arzika was arrested along with other civil society leaders, including Moussa Tchangari, for their opposition to government policies. The arrest was widely condemned by human rights organizations and seen as an attempt to suppress free expression.^[8]

In 2017, Arzika publicly expressed interest in contesting for the presidency of Niger. He argued for a shift in political leadership and pledged to bring citizen-focused reforms through democratic means.^[1]

Throughout his career, Arzika has faced legal harassment, surveillance, and periods of detention due to his activism. International watchdogs and rights groups have criticized the Government of Niger's handling of civil society leaders, citing violations of human rights and freedom of assembly.^[9]